A man has been accused of going on a rampage of destruction in the car park of the Coventry Social Services offices in Hillfields.

Wahid Naghdi, 19, of Fairfax Street, Coventry city centre, appeared at the Crown Court in Leamington facing 15 charges of causing criminal damage.

It is alleged that on May 12 he used a scaffolding pole to smash up 15 cars on the car park of the Coventry Social Services premises in Hillfields.

Naghdi is said to have caused damage totalling more than £24,000 to the cars, which included two Ford Fiestas, various models of Vauxhall, a VW Golf, a VW Polo and a Mazda 2.

But his barrister Trevor Meegan applied for the hearing to be adjourned for two months in the light of a report by a psychiatrist.

Mr Meegan explained: “His opinion is that this defendant suffers from schizophrenia and that he is not currently fit to plead; and the psychiatrist will be recommending a transfer under the Mental Health Act from YOI Glen Parva to a psychiatric hospital.

“Provisionally, the psychiatrist is optimistic that the defendant’s mental state will improve.”

Recorder Kevin Hegarty QC observed: “The indication is that he is responding well to treatment.”

And Mr Meegan confirmed: “I anticipate he will become fit to plead.”

So Recorder Hegarty adjourned the case until October when it is expected Naghdi will have the 15 charges put to him.

Remanding him in custody, Recorder Hegarty told him: “It is anticipated you will be transferred to a hospital where you can be treated for the illness that has been identified by the doctor.

“Depending on how you respond, that treatment will of course affect the future proceedings in this case.”